If you love cinnamon rolls, this cinnamon swirl cake will be your new favorite! With its soft, buttery texture and a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl running through the cake, it’s a delightful combination of flavors that will remind you of a classic cinnamon roll. The cake is sweet yet perfectly balanced, and while it tastes fantastic on its own, you can add a glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. Whether served with or without the glaze, this cake is sure to impress with its warm, spiced flavor and moist texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this cinnamon swirl cake for its simplicity and incredible flavor. The combination of butter, cinnamon, and sugar creates a cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any time of day. The cake itself is fluffy and tender, with a cinnamon swirl that adds a rich, aromatic touch. You can skip the glaze if you prefer a less sweet option, but the cake will still deliver a deliciously satisfying flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy the taste of cinnamon rolls without the effort of making a yeast dough.
Perfect Occasion:
This cinnamon swirl cake is perfect for weekend baking, brunch gatherings, or afternoon coffee breaks. It’s also a great option for holidays, family celebrations, or whenever you’re craving something comforting and homemade. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or at room temperature, this cake will be a hit with cinnamon lovers. It also makes for a lovely homemade gift when baked in a decorative loaf pan.
Decoration Tips:
If you want to take the cake up a notch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of sour cream or milk over the top once it cools. For a festive look, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or add a dusting of powdered sugar before serving. You could also top it with crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of texture. The cake can be baked in a loaf pan or bundt pan for a different shape and presentation, depending on your preference.
Ingredients for the Cake
- 375g all-purpose flour
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 250g softened butter
- 225g sugar
- 4 medium eggs, at room temperature
- 160ml water (still water is preferred)
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Glaze (optional)
- 1.5 tablespoons sour cream
- Powdered sugar, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the water, until everything is well combined.
- In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and brown sugar for the cinnamon swirl.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Pour the remaining batter over it and gently swirl the two layers together using a knife or skewer.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake—it should come out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan.
- If using the glaze, mix the sour cream with powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency, then drizzle it over the cooled cake.
Enjoy!